Used cars are a nice, cheaper option for drivers looking for a car. Yet, much like with new cars, used car buying can also trip people up. However, there are some certain things one can check to make their buying experience a little bit easier…
Used Car Buying: What To Check
Research the car model
The first thing you want to do when doing any kind of used car buying is some research on the car model. If you see constantly low prices on a certain car model, then there’s something which might be responsible for that. So, instead of jumping on these seemingly great deals, be patient and take some time to do your research.
Try to check for things like safety ratings, recalls, gas mileage, and potential maintenance costs. These can help you see if you’ll end up having to put more money into the car, making it not worth it. Sites like Consumer Reports or the IIHS are good resources to use when looking for data.
Check the individual history
After you’ve done your first round of research, maybe you’ve found a car that looks good. However, it’s time to take a deeper look. The next part of used car buying involves doing some individual research on the history of the specific car you’re interested in. With the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), you can order a detailed report of the car’s history.
This can give you a lot of valuable info, like how many previous owners there have been, the actual mileage, and it’s accident history. Try and ask a seller if they’re willing to let you have the VIN to run a search. If they’re apprehensive, it might be a sign that something is up with the car in question.
Have it looked over
After you’ve checked out the car’s history, you’ll want to either give it a look-over yourself, or take it to a mechanic. After all, you need to make sure the car is still in good shape when you make your purchase. That’s why these pre-buy inspections are an important aspect of used car buying.
An inspection should check out nearly every aspect of the car possible. This means the body, the tires, the internals, and any signs of unreported damage. Plus, an inspection can really help you with the negotiation process. In fact, they might help you walk away from making a potentially bad purchase.